Spring is supposedly upon us, whatever the weird weather may indicate. If you’re looking to brighten up the interior of your house—or if you’re scared that new bulbs might be inundated by a blizzard tomorrow—think about raising some indoor spring plants. Remember that although plants clean the air inside, they can also introduce toxins; some are poisonous to humans or animals, and shouldn’t grow around kids or pets.

Begonia

Begonias are beautiful and easy, and if I were given to misogynistic comments I might make one right now. They’re an annual plant, and can do well indoors as they don’t require direct light. They’re not completely without demands though; make sure you give them enough water and fertilizer.

Gerbera daisy

Picture the perfect flower-shaped flower on a paper napkin or cutesy greeting card. That’s a Gerbera—only their variety of color keeps them from being almost weirdly uniform. Grow them indoors and it will be like having cut flowers constantly inside.

Dragon plant

A dragon plant has only small flowers, and proves a good choice if you’d rather have a small shrub than a living bouquet. It looks a bit like bamboo, and can make a room feel a bit more like a jungle and less like the concrete jungle. Just be careful—dragon plants can be toxic.

African violet

Plenty of plant lovers rave about African violets. They have exquisite flowers, take up little space, and best of all, can boom nearly year-round. Re-pot them once a year, and be careful not to let them rot during the summer months.

English ivy

English ivy won’t flower, but it does have a very spring-like, rustic appeal; one can almost imagine waking up in a Jane Austen novel when surrounded by ivy. It will thrive in a house that doesn’t get too hot. Just don’t plant it outside: in many places, English ivy is an invasive species.

Flowering cacti

Sure, a pet cactus seems like an unintimidating endeavor, but that doesn’t mean it won’t pay off. Many cacti flower in the spring or summer, and boast gorgeous flowers. Make sure you get one a blooming species, and don’t overwater. The more cacti, the more cactus flowers.

Orchid

Orchids prove difficult for newbie gardeners, but they pay off with stunning flowers—if you purchase the right species, that is. Don’t attempt them as your first shot, unless you want to buy them already grown. In that case, stick them in a window and enjoy nature’s work of art.

Do you already have indoor plants from previous seasons? Spring is the time to change your caregiving routine. Because they live inside, your plants need you to give them cues that warm weather has arrived, and it’s time to bloom. Shower your plants with lots of sun and water, and re-pot them in larger containers if they’re getting too big for their britches. If you also tend to an outdoor garden, now is an excellent time to take care of the indoor species before moving outside.